This is an ongoing series of drawings that we have been collaborating on for the past few months. I’m doing the initial sketch and inking, and Lauri the color. At first, I wanted to call the series “Wake Up & Live!”. Then I thought it could be “Can’t Make This Shit Up!” But after looking into things, we decided on “Dopamine-Trap Drawings.”

The depictions are observed and truthful, and have been seen on the 15 minute walks that I take after every meal, and in airports, at the dentist office, in restaurants, while on the highway, etc. We also have traveled a lot this year: Hawaii, Maine (3 times!), Washington DC, Santa Cruz, the Sierras. And it doesn’t matter, sadly, the addiction is everywhere.

It’s so disturbing, that I did some research I found out that a small dopamine hit occurs every time our devices are pulled out. That “smart phones are the cigarettes and apps are the nicotine.” (Peter)

Here’s a link to an article by Vivian Hir in The MIT Review:
“Smart Phones Are The New Cigarettes“

Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World
by Cal Newport